The event, produced in close collaboration with NASA and with the help of several astronomy organizations across the country, provided an opportunity for students to learn more about the cosmos as they viewed stars and other celestial objects through telescopes.

More than 20 telescopes of various types were arranged on the lawn for observing Jupiter, the moon and selected stars. Activities included interactive presentations, scale models of the solar system and science presentations with samples of meteorites and lunar rocks. NASA’s Museum Alliance, a consortium of museums, science centers and planetariums conducted activities worldwide to coincide with the White House event.

The White House event is part of the International Year of Astronomy, a global celebration of its contributions to society and culture. More than 135 countries will host events and activities to mark the 400th anniversary of Galileo’s first astronomical observations with a telescope.